New York City positions itself as climate action capital

New York City is continuing its commitment to becoming ‘the Capital City of a Responsible World’ as it hosts the 10th annual Climate Week NYC.

More than 140 climate-focused events are expected to take place during Climate Week NYC, the world’s largest climate event, 24-30 September 2018. Some 10,000 people are expected to attend from over 40 countries.

The event, organised by international non-profit The Climate Group, takes place during the United Nations General Assembly, and is endorsed by the United Nations as well as by the Mayor of New York City. It aims to accelerate climate action by bringing together powerful networks of businesses and governments, to shift global markets and policies towards this goal.Mayor Bill de Blasio said: “We are honored to again welcome The Climate Group and Climate Week NYC for the 10th year. Here in New York, we’re taking bold action on climate. Through our ground breaking OneNYC strategy and our ambitious 1.5˚C Plan, we’ve committed our city to hit the highest goals of the Paris climate agreement. We’re divesting from fossil fuels, mandating that our largest buildings cut their emissions, and investing in electric vehicles. Through investments in resiliency and sustainability, we are building a fairer city for all.”OneNYC is New York City’s plan to become the most resilient, equitable, and sustainable city in the world. Climate actions include: a six-fold increase in solar installations since 2014; nearly $500 million invested to improve energy efficiency in public and private buildings.; the formation of the largest organics collection program in the US, serving 3.3 million-plus New Yorkers; $1 billion committed to protect New York City’s drinking water; and more than 620,000 trees and over 5 million flowers planted since 2014.

During Climate Week NYC, New York becomes the focal point for international climate action, in a series of events that cover content ranging from climate policy to future energy innovation, investment, science and studies. The 2018 event started with New York’s most famous buildings, including The Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and Javits Center Crystal Palace, going green.

Climate Week NYC is also being highlighted as a major destination drawcard by NYC & Company — New York City’s official destination marketing organisation — as it kicks off its 2018 annual European MICE Road Show spanning London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.

Information will be shared on New York City’s significant citywide and growing sustainability efforts, including plans for Jacob K. Javits Convention Center to house one of the City’s largest rooftop farms, and many leading hotels embracing the City’s Carbon Challenge.

“We’re thrilled to be highlighting New York City’s sustainability efforts as well as our world-class event venues and capabilities, impressive infrastructure developments, diverse new neighbourhoods and unique meeting spaces and incentive activities,” said Jerry Cito, NYC & Company’s Senior Vice President of Convention Development. “Having welcomed 6.2 million delegates who chose to ‘Make it NYC’ in 2017, we’re inspired to educate leading event professionals in Europe – our most valuable international visitor market – on the City’s pledge to be sustainable and to showcase how travellers to New York City can get involved in protecting our destination and the planet.”

“Climate Week NYC is a fantastic example of a one-of-a-kind event taking place in New York City across multiple boroughs and aligns with our goal to further the global conversation and action around climate change,” added Paul Black, Senior Director of European MICE at NYC & Company. “We’re delighted to be meeting face-to-face over the course of this week with some of our most important industry relationships and to grow and deepen their understanding of New York City as an innovative, meaningful and responsible leading global meeting and incentive destination.”